How Many Of You Open Carry?


CAPTAIN MIKE said:
I support and practice discretion, common sense and freedom-of-choice. Most days, I carry concealed because I'm doing business and prefer to be discrete. On other days when not doing business, I will occasionally Open Carry while in posession of my appropriate documentation for my State.

What I've found is that in most instances, most people don't even notice. They are in Condition White - i.e. not a clue. When I do open carry, I practice situational awareness and dress nicely so as to not upset the sheep. I might carry my coffee in my strong side hand so it's obvious to anyone who might get nervous that I'm not looking to be a threat. I've also trained in sidearm retention and combatives for good measure.

I do believe that Open Carry is not necessarily a tactical disadvantage. Open Carry does give us an opportunity from time to time to educate others that the legal carry of firearms is not a bad thing and we are not Bad Guys. Those that have noticed my sidearm have also noticed a nicely-dressed, well-behaved, peaceable courteous and friendly guy who's just going about his business. I've had a few occasions for nice conversations that seemed to have opened the minds of the other person. So overall, excercising the option has been a good thing. I've never had any crazies from the DSPRK (Democratic Socialist People's Republic of Californistan) hassle me -- but I did have the opportunity to alert them that Open Carry is legal in our state if the bearer has the correct documentation. Never had a 'Man With a G..G...G...G...GUN' police episode. Had coffee and conversation with a local LEO who mostly just discussed gun preferences, local ranges, IDPA etc. after ascertaining I had my 'blue card' with me. Nice guy, no hassle.

When I travel to Arizona, I see a lot of Open Carry - as the custom is well-entrenched and regularly applied by locals and others passing thru. When I travel to Utah, I occasionally see Open Carry there as I sometimes do in the state of Nevada. I believe that if one is going to exercise the option of Open Carry, he should remember he is an unofficial Second Amendment Ambassador and should conduct himself or herself with courtesy.

So bottom line: OC is an option. Use common sense. Carry concealed where you must, carry open where you can and if you feel like it's appropriate that particular day.
Click to expand...

Well said and I agree.
 

+1 on Well said and I Agree too! I do not OC. I do though occasionally carry Open on the weekends when I'm at home doing stuff around the house outside; going to the dump; store. But, when I say Open Carry I mean it is Open but I may still have a sweat shirt over it or something like that. So, it is OC but still covered in a sense (This is done not with my everyday carry gun)......other than that I am stricly CC.

Everyday Carry is the KelTec PF9 while the HiPoint C9 is used for Open.
 
CAPTAIN MIKE said:
When I travel to Arizona, I see a lot of Open Carry - as the custom is well-entrenched and regularly applied by locals and others passing thru. When I travel to Utah, I occasionally see Open Carry there as I sometimes do in the state of Nevada. I believe that if one is going to exercise the option of Open Carry, he should remember he is an unofficial Second Amendment Ambassador and should conduct himself or herself with courtesy.

So bottom line: OC is an option. Use common sense. Carry concealed where you must, carry open where you can and if you feel like it's appropriate that particular day.
Click to expand...

Custom + Culture! I have been 'heeled' in Arizona from 1971 onward. Now that I finally live here, I am heeled everyday... all the time. Home... away... on the road or whatever. Goin' heeled is 'open carry'. I really don't understand all this 'tactical advantage' CC nonsense... Mainly because I think it's a manufactured excuse to justify both a lack of self confidence and acute self-consciousness rationalization.

Having read most of this thread... I see indications of guilt & fear... as tho carrying a firearm is somehow 'wrong'. I see references to 'permit and license'... as tho the free exercise of a Right requires Government sanctioned permission. Rights do not require permission. Rights are either recognized or denied. If you are a product of the public school systems (as I am) this little detail relative to "Right, Permit, & License was seldom addressed. More often it was obfuscated and homogenized. Particularly regarding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This is the only 'Right' that entails 'bearing' anything.

Arms. Not even firearms by definition... but Arms. Swords, knives, axes, polearms if you prefer... or personal firearms... Guns! Concealed carry is not definded in the US Constitution or Arizona's. It is 'permitted' by State permit. Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) here. Note that all CCW/CWP's etc are State issued. Reciprocity is between States (or not) as well. How come? 10th Amendment!

I have a CWP merely to avoid accidental concealment and the practicality of firearms purchases or interstate travel where OC is denied. Note... I do not use the term permitted. The Right is denied or subjected to Government control in defiance of the 2nd Amendment. Y'know... the same Constitution these people took an oath to protect and defend when they were sworn in to office?

As for method of carry... The movies have done much to alter and distort perception. This quick draw stuff is Hollywood... as is 'strong side'... 'Condition', 'Stance' 'n such from people who made a good livin' inventiing these terms and ideas. Jeff Cooper among them. I use a seperate gunbelt for the large frame guns 'n a simple 'bucket' on my pants belt for the little one. (The little one being a Makarov 9x18mm.) The ..45's 'n 9's go in a holster on a gunbelt. I carry at the 10 O'Clock position (cross draw) in that it does not impede either my seat belt when driving or my leg when mounting a horse. I don't care what John Wayne did.

As for 'draw'... try pullin' that piece sittin' down w/o finding your gun butt in your armpit before clearing the holster. Providing the holster doesn't try to come along with the gun in the process. At 10 O'Clock the weapon is not bangin' into anything (or anyone) accidentally either. I suspect more than a few here are relative noobs to carryin' firearms. 'What will people say... do? What will the LEO's do... say?" "What if...?"

First of all... why do you carry a firearm? 'Political statement... attention... fashion accessory... adventurous novelty, trendy, conversation piece or self defense? What's your priority?
Secondly... would you kill a human being? Have you ever killed... anything with a firearm? Would you hesitate... running all the legal and possible financial ramifications thru your head... or just pull the bang switch?

Personally... I carry 'openly' for self defense. It's an active rather than passive deterrent. All these 'armed guy gets shot first scenarios' are products of imagination. If that were true... we'd have OC'rs gettin' dusted right 'n left. When I first went armed into the world... there were no discussion forums. There were no 'discussions'. You were either heeled or not. It wasn't even an issue. If these Government morons abided by the Constitution (as they are sworn to do), aided and abbetted by equally ignorant moronic MSM news wonks... it wouldn't be an issue now.
 
Well I'm brand new to this form, I do both depending on the situation. My handgun of choice is my BFR in 45/70 with a 10" barrel so concealed carry really depends on how observent people are. Most aren't and I go pretty much unnoticed even with 4 to 6 inches of holster hanging out the bottom of my coat. Minnesota doesn't restrict you to just concealed carry but I prefer not to attract attention. Dave
 
I think a 45/70 revolver with a 10" barrel would attract attention... anywhere. As a self defense weapon tho... That seems a bit much... unless ya got ninja moose in the 'hood.
 
use enough gun said:
Well I'm brand new to this form, I do both depending on the situation. My handgun of choice is my BFR in 45/70 with a 10" barrel so concealed carry really depends on how observent people are. Most aren't and I go pretty much unnoticed even with 4 to 6 inches of holster hanging out the bottom of my coat. Minnesota doesn't restrict you to just concealed carry but I prefer not to attract attention. Dave
Click to expand...
BFR? Is that the gun that was made in Austria or somewhere like that? The one that weighs more than an M1 Garand?

Never mind, I found the BFR. Made by Magnum Research. That is NOT a self defense gun, by any stretch of the imagination. Unless you're defending yourself from an Elephant Stampede. :wink:

As for BFR, I know what Magnum Research says it stands for. Frankly, I think it should be Big F**king Revolver. :wink:
 
Last edited:
Whoa!!!

Guys and Gals check this out. Borrowed from another forum and happened in Minnesota;

Cuffed and Caged for Open Carry

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3-2-09

12:30pm

Coon Rapids (Riverdale Crossing)

For reference, I begin this story carrying a CZ82 9x18mm in an all but unused Czech leather police holster, with thumb-break. I am wearing nothing but shorts/tshirt/sandals with only wallet/gun on me, with keys in left hand and beverage in right.

My girlfriend and I had just eaten at Chipotle and were leaving to pay my phone bill at the adjacent TMobile. After leaving Tmobile, we proceeded across the lot to my truck. I got as far as the rearend of my truck, when a Coon Rapids Police Department marked car flew in and stopped a few parking spots to the left and opposite my side, approximately 15 yards away. The Officer commanded, "Hey, you! Get over here!" Then, "Now turn around, up against the car!" This car was to my left parked next to my truck. I complied with all demands up to this point. As the Officer approached me, "DO YOU KNOW WHAT FRICKEN' CONCEALED CARRY MEANS?" As he puts my hands behind my head I reply, "Yes Sir." Then he asks, "Then why are you carrying out in the open like that?" I chose my words carefully, "Well, Officer my permit says 'Permit To Carry' not 'Concealed Carry'." He says, "I DON'T CARE WHAT THE FRICKEN PERMIT SAYS! ITS CALLED 'MINNESOTA CONCEALED CARRY LAW' FOR A REASON!" After disarming me and handing my pistol to his partner to be secured, he immediately started cuffing me. I ask, "Officer, may I ask why we are cuffing?" To which he replies, "So I can frisk you and put you in the car." At this point I am not sure what is going to happen, but start thinking a "Disorderly Conduct/Distubing The Peace" charge is in my future. After putting me in his squad, he and his partner and another officer deliberate on what to charge me with and if open carry is legal. After about ten minutes he comes back and starts asking me the rudimentary questions for his report, where I live, phone number, etc. After that he lets me out of the car, uncuffs me and gives me my keys and wallet back, but no gun yet. First he gives me the speil about how open carry is not the best idea, sheeple will call MWAG, and how if enough sheople would have been disturbed he would have charged me. He also told me that when and if I have law enforcement respond again I should be fine if I do as I did that day. He also admitted that he didn't have much experience with carrying off-duty much so he hasn't had to deal with it himself. All in all the Officers were polite and porfessional, even if a bit excessive with the detainment. He had me and the girlfriend get in my truck, hands my pistol and mag back to me through my window. I notice my previously-chambered round is missing, so I asked him to get that for me. We shook hands and I asked for his card. Then he went on his way.
 
Glockster20 said:
Guys and Gals check this out. Borrowed from another forum and happened in Minnesota;

Cuffed and Caged for Open Carry

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3-2-09

12:30pm

Coon Rapids (Riverdale Crossing)

For reference, I begin this story carrying a CZ82 9x18mm in an all but unused Czech leather police holster, with thumb-break. I am wearing nothing but shorts/tshirt/sandals with only wallet/gun on me, with keys in left hand and beverage in right.

My girlfriend and I had just eaten at Chipotle and were leaving to pay my phone bill at the adjacent TMobile. After leaving Tmobile, we proceeded across the lot to my truck. I got as far as the rearend of my truck, when a Coon Rapids Police Department marked car flew in and stopped a few parking spots to the left and opposite my side, approximately 15 yards away. The Officer commanded, "Hey, you! Get over here!" Then, "Now turn around, up against the car!" This car was to my left parked next to my truck. I complied with all demands up to this point. As the Officer approached me, "DO YOU KNOW WHAT FRICKEN' CONCEALED CARRY MEANS?" As he puts my hands behind my head I reply, "Yes Sir." Then he asks, "Then why are you carrying out in the open like that?" I chose my words carefully, "Well, Officer my permit says 'Permit To Carry' not 'Concealed Carry'." He says, "I DON'T CARE WHAT THE FRICKEN PERMIT SAYS! ITS CALLED 'MINNESOTA CONCEALED CARRY LAW' FOR A REASON!" After disarming me and handing my pistol to his partner to be secured, he immediately started cuffing me. I ask, "Officer, may I ask why we are cuffing?" To which he replies, "So I can frisk you and put you in the car." At this point I am not sure what is going to happen, but start thinking a "Disorderly Conduct/Distubing The Peace" charge is in my future. After putting me in his squad, he and his partner and another officer deliberate on what to charge me with and if open carry is legal. After about ten minutes he comes back and starts asking me the rudimentary questions for his report, where I live, phone number, etc. After that he lets me out of the car, uncuffs me and gives me my keys and wallet back, but no gun yet. First he gives me the speil about how open carry is not the best idea, sheeple will call MWAG, and how if enough sheople would have been disturbed he would have charged me. He also told me that when and if I have law enforcement respond again I should be fine if I do as I did that day. He also admitted that he didn't have much experience with carrying off-duty much so he hasn't had to deal with it himself. All in all the Officers were polite and porfessional, even if a bit excessive with the detainment. He had me and the girlfriend get in my truck, hands my pistol and mag back to me through my window. I notice my previously-chambered round is missing, so I asked him to get that for me. We shook hands and I asked for his card. Then he went on his way.
Click to expand...
Well, it could have been worse. :biggrin:
 
SonoraRebel said:
I think a 45/70 revolver with a 10" barrel would attract attention... anywhere. As a self defense weapon tho... That seems a bit much... unless ya got ninja moose in the 'hood.
Click to expand...

Well I've been shooting a 45/70 for over 30 years and I've never had to shoot anything more than once with it. Everything I've shot drops in it's tracks, for the same reason I believe it's the perfect self defense round. If by some terrible chance of fate you get in a situation where you need to protect yourself or someone else, do you want to have to hope you can stop them or know you'll stop them? If you've never had a chance to shoot a BFR I can tell you it's no harder to shoot and handle than any other large frame handgun.
One last thing, it's as accurate as many rifles. I've been talking with a guy that's had the time to really wring one of these out looking for the most accurate load and he was kind enough to share his data with me. His 45/70 is capable of 1" groups at 100yards and he has fired 3 shot groups at 50 yards that measure 3/8". Dave
 
use enough gun said:
Well I've been shooting a 45/70 for over 30 years and I've never had to shoot anything more than once with it. Everything I've shot drops in it's tracks, for the same reason I believe it's the perfect self defense round. If by some terrible chance of fate you get in a situation where you need to protect yourself or someone else, do you want to have to hope you can stop them or know you'll stop them? If you've never had a chance to shoot a BFR I can tell you it's no harder to shoot and handle than any other large frame handgun.
One last thing, it's as accurate as many rifles. I've been talking with a guy that's had the time to really wring one of these out looking for the most accurate load and he was kind enough to share his data with me. His 45/70 is capable of 1" groups at 100yards and he has fired 3 shot groups at 50 yards that measure 3/8". Dave
Click to expand...

Still, seems a bit much to me. Hope you got a trick holster, I'd hate to see how long it takes to draw that out in a hurry. :wink:
 
Long range isn't self defense....

No matter what kind'a grouping accuracy that cannon has... the normal range of self defense engagement is gonna be 8-12' (or less). Against a human (CoM)... that slug is prob'ly gonna go clean thru 'em... to where? 'Hope you wear that thing cross-draw.
 
SonoraRebel said:
No matter what kind'a grouping accuracy that cannon has... the normal range of self defense engagement is gonna be 8-12' (or less). Against a human (CoM)... that slug is prob'ly gonna go clean thru 'em... to where? 'Hope you wear that thing cross-draw.
Click to expand...

I didn't want to really say anything else either, but shooting targets and hunting is not exactly the same as getting into a fight for you life either. There are other factors that can mess with your ability to shoot straight.

But if you're sure you can defend yourself with that, go ahead. Just be sure you know where the bullet is going to end up.
 
SonoraRebel said:
Custom + Culture! I have been 'heeled' in Arizona from 1971 onward. Now that I finally live here, I am heeled everyday... all the time. Home... away... on the road or whatever. Goin' heeled is 'open carry'. I really don't understand all this 'tactical advantage' CC nonsense... Mainly because I think it's a manufactured excuse to justify both a lack of self confidence and acute self-consciousness rationalization.

Having read most of this thread... I see indications of guilt & fear... as tho carrying a firearm is somehow 'wrong'. I see references to 'permit and license'... as tho the free exercise of a Right requires Government sanctioned permission. Rights do not require permission. Rights are either recognized or denied. If you are a product of the public school systems (as I am) this little detail relative to "Right, Permit, & License was seldom addressed. More often it was obfuscated and homogenized. Particularly regarding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This is the only 'Right' that entails 'bearing' anything.

Arms. Not even firearms by definition... but Arms. Swords, knives, axes, polearms if you prefer... or personal firearms... Guns! Concealed carry is not definded in the US Constitution or Arizona's. It is 'permitted' by State permit. Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) here. Note that all CCW/CWP's etc are State issued. Reciprocity is between States (or not) as well. How come? 10th Amendment!

I have a CWP merely to avoid accidental concealment and the practicality of firearms purchases or interstate travel where OC is denied. Note... I do not use the term permitted. The Right is denied or subjected to Government control in defiance of the 2nd Amendment. Y'know... the same Constitution these people took an oath to protect and defend when they were sworn in to office?

As for method of carry... The movies have done much to alter and distort perception. This quick draw stuff is Hollywood... as is 'strong side'... 'Condition', 'Stance' 'n such from people who made a good livin' inventiing these terms and ideas. Jeff Cooper among them. I use a seperate gunbelt for the large frame guns 'n a simple 'bucket' on my pants belt for the little one. (The little one being a Makarov 9x18mm.) The ..45's 'n 9's go in a holster on a gunbelt. I carry at the 10 O'Clock position (cross draw) in that it does not impede either my seat belt when driving or my leg when mounting a horse. I don't care what John Wayne did.

As for 'draw'... try pullin' that piece sittin' down w/o finding your gun butt in your armpit before clearing the holster. Providing the holster doesn't try to come along with the gun in the process. At 10 O'Clock the weapon is not bangin' into anything (or anyone) accidentally either. I suspect more than a few here are relative noobs to carryin' firearms. 'What will people say... do? What will the LEO's do... say?" "What if...?"

First of all... why do you carry a firearm? 'Political statement... attention... fashion accessory... adventurous novelty, trendy, conversation piece or self defense? What's your priority?
Secondly... would you kill a human being? Have you ever killed... anything with a firearm? Would you hesitate... running all the legal and possible financial ramifications thru your head... or just pull the bang switch?

Personally... I carry 'openly' for self defense. It's an active rather than passive deterrent. All these 'armed guy gets shot first scenarios' are products of imagination. If that were true... we'd have OC'rs gettin' dusted right 'n left. When I first went armed into the world... there were no discussion forums. There were no 'discussions'. You were either heeled or not. It wasn't even an issue. If these Government morons abided by the Constitution (as they are sworn to do), aided and abbetted by equally ignorant moronic MSM news wonks... it wouldn't be an issue now.
Click to expand...

All I can say to that is AMEN!
 
I think it is legal in Louisiana without a permit, but I do not believe I ever would. Don't see the need to advertise
 
I agree with everything being said but I also do know that if more people carried openly in those states that allow it, people would be less likely to create that stigma surrounding guns. Also, in some cases OC'ing has been a deterent to criminals. The sign I have in my front yard that says I have an alarm system is my first line of defense. I know if I was doing B&E's and there are 3 houses on the street and 2 of them have alarm signs in the front yard and one doesn't...where do you think I'm gonna go?

In any event....no matter what...action is always faster then reaction. I can't legally OC in SC but I do wish it was option here.
 
I dont open carry because I feel that carrying a personal defense firearm is "my business," not to mention that I get enough open carry time when I am at work.:biggrin:
 
OC

In my home state, PA, open carry is perfectly legal without a license to carry firearms (LTCF) except in cities of the first class -- Philadelphia. Then you need an LTCF to carry either way.

I open carry almost all the time with a concealed backup. My OC weapon isn't chambered, but my CC weapon is.

I do this for a few reasons. First, there is such a negative stigma surrounding guns, and when I am OC'ing, I go out of my way to be polite and friendly to let people know that people with guns != bad guy. Second, it is a right I have as pertaining to the laws of Pennsylvania, and a right unused is one which will soon be removed. Lastly, an openly armed person is a major deterrent to most would-be aggressors. Nobody wants to get shot, and I'd rather not have to worry about pulling my weapon if I could just scare them off to start with.

The OC weapon isn't chambered because if someone does actually get my weapon, they can pull the trigger to their hearts content and it won't fire. Meanwhile, as soon as their hand goes on my OC weapon, my CC weapon comes out. They've given me a perfect legal reason to draw my CC weapon and use it if necessary. To me, it would be a tactical advantage plus all of the other benefits above.

For those who are legally permitted to OC and are apprehensive in doing so, take the time to seriously think about what your goals are. If your goals are to show off your gun or have a "tough guy" mentality, please do the entire gun community a favor and leave it at home.
 
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